Controversial Dundee care home axed over safety failures

A CONTROVERSIAL care home is being shut down after failing to meet safety standards. Camperdown Care Home in Dundee – which looks after 30 adults with brain trauma, neurological disorders and spinal injuries – was told to improve or risk closure.

The home – run by Duncare Ltd, part of the Four Seasons Health Care Group – will shut by the end of July.

In 2005 disabled resident Robert Burns, 49, who needed 24-hour care, drowned after a carer left him in a bath while he talked to other residents.

Duncare were fined £45,000 for health and safety breaches.

Five formal complaints about Camperdown were made between August 2007 and December 2008, with four being upheld and one partially upheld.

The Care Commission issued an improvement order at the end of last year after finding “weak” care and support, staffing levels and management – and “offensive” smells in rooms.

Dundee City Council have been forced to find alternative accommodation for the residents, who will become homeless when Camperdown closes.

Four Seasons, which has more than 400 UK centres, said: “It is with regret that we have taken the very difficult decision to close.

“We will work with Dundee City Council and Care Commission to find alternative care for the residents.”